Comprehensive Selective Test Guide
Selective High School Placement Test for Year 6 students seeking entry into a Selective High School for Year 7 in New South Wales. These schools cater to academically gifted students, and entry is highly competitive.
📝 Exam Format
The Selective High School Placement Test is a rigorous assessment composed of four distinct sections.
Reading
Mathematical Reasoning
Thinking Skills
Writing
📊 Scoring and Results
A student's final "profile score" is calculated from two main components. This score, out of a total of 120, determines their eligibility for placement.
Placement Test Score
~83%The student's raw scores in Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills are moderated and scaled to a mark out of 100.
School Assessment Scores
~17%The student's primary school provides assessment scores for their performance in English and Mathematics. These are scaled to a combined total out of 20.
Writing Score
N/AThe Writing task is marked out of 20 and is used to moderate the school's English assessment score. It also serves as a differentiator between students with similar profile scores.
📅 Key Timelines
The application and testing process follows a strict annual schedule. Students apply in Year 5 to sit the test in Year 6 for entry into Year 7 the following year.
Applications Open
October (Year 5)
October 2024
Applications Close
November (Year 5)
November 2024
Placement Test Date
Early May (Year 6)
May 1, 2025
Results Released
August (Year 6)
August 2025
⚠️ Note: Dates are based on the 2026 entry cycle and should always be verified on the official NSW Department of Education website.
🎯 Content & Skills Assessed
The test evaluates a student's ability to apply knowledge and skills at a high level.
Reading
- •Ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate a wide range of texts
- •Skills in comprehending meaning, identifying literary devices, and drawing inferences
Mathematical Reasoning
- •Ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve complex, multi-step problems
- •Tests logical reasoning and problem-solving strategies, not just rote calculation
Thinking Skills
- •Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning abilities
- •Includes both verbal and non-verbal logic puzzles and questions
Writing
- •Ability to craft a well-structured, persuasive, or creative piece of writing in response to a prompt
- •Assessed on creativity, structure, use of language, and relevance to the topic
🚀 Proven Preparation Strategies
A disciplined and strategic approach is essential for success in this competitive exam.
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 5 to build a strong foundation without last-minute cramming.
Master All Four Components
Allocate study time across all four areas. Pay special attention to Writing, as it requires consistent practice to improve structure and expression.
Utilize Practice Tests
Regularly complete full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina, refine time management, and identify weak areas.
Review and Analyze
Go beyond just completing tests. Thoroughly review answers and explanations to understand mistakes and learn from them.
Strengthen Foundational Skills
Focus on core competencies: read a wide variety of books, practice mental maths, and solve logic puzzles to improve thinking skills.
Strategic School Choices
Research different Selective High Schools and their minimum entry scores from previous years. Make realistic and strategic choices when listing school preferences.
Seek Professional Guidance
Consider a tutor or coaching college for structured lessons, expert feedback on writing, and access to high-quality mock tests that mirror the real exam's difficulty.
💡 Key Insights
Highly Competitive
Entry is extremely competitive with limited spots available across all selective schools.
Four Components
Success requires mastery of all four test components, especially the unique writing component.
Early Preparation
Starting preparation in Year 5 is crucial for building the necessary skills and confidence.
📈 Selective Cut Line
Estimated 2021 Selective Cut-Off Marks (Out of 120)
| School Name | Cut-Off Score |
|---|---|
| James Ruse AHS | 106.5 |
| Baulkham Hills HS | 98 |
| North Sydney Boys HS | 93 |
| North Sydney Girls HS | 92 |
| Girraween HS | 92 |
| Sydney Boys HS | 92 |
| Sydney Girls HS | 91 |
| Hornsby Girls HS | 92 |
| Normanhurst Boys HS | 92 |
| Fort Street HS | 90 |
| Penrith HS | 87 |
| Hurlstone AHS | 86 |
| Ryde Secondary College | 85 |
| Parramatta HS | 84 |
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